How To Make The Ugly Sandal Trend Actually Look Cute

Yes, the “ugly” shoe trend is really happening. Celine may have started the movement with the revival of their Birkenstock-like sandal, but Isabel Marant sealed the deal with its spring debut of the thick-soled, chunky leather-strapped Holden Sandals ($510). I like the unappealing sandal in theory—the excuse to forsake a heel is tempting enough—but in actuality? Well, I had to test it to really see. Click through to see if I pulled off the impossible: making an uncomely shoe look stylish...

There’s a look Phoebe Philo has championed at Celine that I like to call the polished slouch. It’s minimal, tailored, and so relaxed it can border on baggy. Clearly, the look lends itself seamlessly to the “I don’t care” vibe of the ugly sandal.

The ultimate ugly shoe test? Making the trend work in an evening ensemble. The key is to find a cocktail dress that’s relaxed enough to feel compatible with the casual sandal. In other words: bandage dresses need not apply. My red lace dress works because it has an easy silhouette, but still feels completely appropriate for after-hours.

I find that when wearing a daring item, in my case the Holden shoe, adding a sprinkling of statement accessories takes some of pressure off that bolder piece. I added a pair dramatic cat-eye sunglasses and an ear cuff so there was more to my outfit than just a funky pair of shoes.

As you can imagine, a chunky sandal doesn’t exactly work the same leg-lengthening magic as a stiletto. Accordingly, a dress that shoes some skin or gives a semblance of your figure is ideal, as it balances the anti-allure of the sandal.